Senate Resolution 4

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXTRAORDINARY ARTWORK, SCULPTURE AND STATUES CREATED BY BROOKHAVEN'S DR. J. KIM SESSUMS.

WHEREAS, Dr. J. Kim Sessums is a respected physician in Brookhaven, Mississippi, but he has become well-known and highly regarded for his avocation, which is artwork and sculpture; and

WHEREAS, artwork by Dr. Sessums ranges from graphite pencil drawings to bronze busts and statues to monument-size pieces, such as the African-American Monument in the Vicksburg National Military Park which was recently dedicated; and

WHEREAS, after getting his medical degree from the University of Mississippi, Sessums came to Brookhaven in 1988. Regarding his artistic and medical abilities, Sessums said he did not want to be found "lazy" by not using the gifts that God has given him; and

WHEREAS, after developing a reputation for quality graphite drawings and pastels, the Brookhaven artist is now making a name for himself in the world of sculpture. Sessums said he strives to go beyond an object's or person's physical features to capture the emotion and essence of the subject. To do that, he relies on his research; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sessums said he still does some commission work, but he is selective about what projects he takes on. He said a graphite pencil drawing takes about 30 to 40 hours to complete. While drawing and painting since 1976, Sessums has been doing sculptures since 1995; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sessums made three bronze busts early in his career. They were of famed artist Andrew Wyeth, Mississippi author Eudora Welty and Evangelist the Reverend Billy Graham. These pieces wound up in the private collections of those individuals. Today, Sessums has completed 25 sculptures of various subjects; and

WHEREAS, Sessums took on his largest project a few years ago when he was selected to design a larger-than-life size monument commemorating the service of the 1st and 3rd Mississippi Infantry Regiments, African descent and all Mississippians of African descent who participated in the Vicksburg campaign, recognizing black soldiers' contributions during the Civil War. In February 2004, it was unveiled at the Vicksburg National Military Park; and

WHEREAS, although his reputation as an artist continues to grow, Dr. Sessums said he will maintain his medical practice; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sessums and his wife, Kristy, have been married for 25 years. They have four children: Jake, 23; daughter Joey, 21; Stewart, 18; and Price, 17. The Sessums family attends Faith Presbyterian Church, where Kim is an Elder; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the unique accomplishments of this physician whose passion for art and sculpture has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the extraordinary artwork, sculpture and statues created by Brookhaven, Mississippi's Dr. J. Kim Sessums, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate for success in his future projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Sessums and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.